The facts about breast cancer

It is believed that almost one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some stage of their lives, making it the most common cancer to impact women in South Africa.

In honour of World Cancer Day on February 4, Netcare 911 has shared some helpful information on the disease.

Despite the high prevalence of breast cancer, the causes of the disease are still unknown.

However, research has brought several risk factors to the fore, which may increase an individual’s chances of getting the disease.

These risk factors include:

• Being over the age of 50 years
• Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Personal or family history of cancer, including breast cancer
• Early menstruation or late menopause
• Lifestyle factors such as drinking alcohol, smoking, being overweight and a lack of physical exercise

The warning signs for breast cancer may differ from person to person.

Some individuals do not have any signs or symptoms at all, which is why it is imperative that you make an appointment for a routine mammogram and one of the best methods to detect breast cancer early on when it is easier to treat and the success rate is higher.

Sometimes an ultrasound or sonar scan of the breast is also needed, particularly in younger women whose breasts are more dense than older women whose breasts are more fatty.

This scan is often used to check abnormal results from a mammogram.

However, the first indication of breast cancer is usually a lump in the breast or under the armpit.

The following are other signs and symptoms:

• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast or armpit
• Puckering (wrinkling) of the skin of the breast
• The sudden development of a retracted nipple
• A change in the skin around the nipple, such as redness, flaking or irritation
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast, including the nipple
• An enlargement of the glands under the armpit
• One breast being lower than the other

Bear in mind that some of these warning signs are also symptoms of other conditions and may not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer.

It is, however, advisable to make an appointment for a mammogram if you are concerned that you may have the disease.

There are ways to prevent breast cancer.

Netcare911 advises all women to quit smoking, limit your alcohol intake, and maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

New mothers should choose to breastfeed if possible, as research suggests that breastfeeding decreases the risk of getting breast cancer.

Speak to your doctor about limiting your dose and duration of hormone therapy and avoid exposure to environmental pollution.

And lastly, encourage women to go for routine mammograms.